Kisumu residents now have an opportunity to learn the French language following a collaboration between the French government and the Kisumu County Government.
The initiative, championed by French Ambassador Mr. Arnaud Suquet and Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, aims to promote French literacy in the region.
Speaking at Grace Onyango Social Hall, where the classes will be conducted, Mr. Suquet urged Kisumu residents and those from neighboring areas to take advantage of the revived program.
“I am happy to witness the revival of this initiative, which Governor Nyong’o championed to ensure the people of Nyanza receive support in learning French,” said Mr. Suquet.
The Ambassador was hosted by Maseno National School Principal, Mr. Peter Owino, who also serves as the chairman of Alliance Française Kisumu, and Dr. Nuru Kyalo, the secretary to the board and a lecturer of French and other foreign languages at Maseno University.
Mr. Suquet described the previous collapse of the program as unfortunate, calling on residents to capitalize on this revival and embrace the language.
While addressing the media, Dr. Kyalo highlighted the growing presence of French in Kenya, noting that the language is taught in primary and secondary schools, teacher training colleges, and institutions such as Alliance Française in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu.
“Francophonie is a community of people who love the French language. I appreciate the Kenyan government for supporting its introduction in schools, and I believe this initiative will enhance communication and create new opportunities for Kisumu residents,” she stated.
Dr. Kyalo, who is also a board member of the Kenya Association of Teachers of French and Chairperson of the Francophone Kenyan Writers Association, emphasized that the program will strengthen cultural and educational ties between Kenya and French-speaking nations.
The partnership marks a significant step in promoting multilingualism and fostering global opportunities for Kisumu residents.
IAN BYRON 
Lydia Wanaswa